Intraperitoneal feeding.

This study evaluated the peritoneal cavity as the sole route for alimentation in 300 g growing rats. Initial studies demonstrated that a solution of high osmolality was required to provide sufficient calories. A nutrient solution was formulated by mixing 20% glucose with electrolytes (10 ml) and 8.5% amino acids with electrolytes (20 ml). Instilling 30 ml of nutrient solution induced an IP volume of 60 ml, which was absorbed in 24 hours. Rats were studied in four groups for 7 days. One group received nutrient solution IP (n = 10); a second group received the same amount PO (n = 10); the third group received electrolytes IP (n = 10); and a fourth group was fed rat chow PO (n = 10). Rats fed this nutrient solution (IP and PO) were acclimatized by administering one third of their required nutrient the first 4 days. On the next 3 days they received two thirds of their required nutrient. Both groups fed nutrient solution (IP and PO) lost 23% body weight. Electrolyte and rat chow fed groups lost 26% and gained 8% of body weight, respectively. Due to the high osmolality (1200 mOsm/L) of this nutrient solution, sufficient food could not be delivered via the peritoneal cavity to adequately feed growing rats. Studies were then initiated to formulate another nutrient solution that contained lipids. This solution (678 mOms/L) contained 20% glucose with electrolytes (10 mls), 8.5% amino acids with electrolytes (20 ml), and 10% lipids without electrolytes (30 ml). Glucose and amino acids contained the same electrolyte concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)